Letter from the CEO: Why Wrestling Is the Perfect Sport that I Never Did

by Kim Quigley, MD, FABPN

I believe that wrestling is the perfect sport.

It’s raw, demanding, and intensely personal, yet it thrives on the support of a team. As the CEO of Onrise, a company dedicated to athlete mental health, I see wrestling as a profound metaphor for the challenges that we face in our lives.

A High School Memory

When I was in high school in Knoxville, Tennessee back in the early nineties, basketball was the only winter sport that girls could play. We shared a gym with the wrestlers, and I found myself hanging out with them every chance I got. Wrestling was new to me, but it completely captured my imagination. I was so jealous of their grit, their focus, and the way that their brain worked during a match.

I loved asking them questions, trying to learn more about a world that was different from my own sport experience. Even then, I could see the life lessons wrestling instilled—discipline, resilience, and a kind of mental toughness that stuck with me long after those gym days.

The Individual Challenge

In wrestling, there’s no one else to rely on during a match. It’s just you and your opponent. Every victory is earned through discipline and pure determination. As a psychiatrist and leader in my company, I deeply respect how wrestling demands self-accountability—an essential trait to keep going when our lives get so hard.

But wrestling also teaches humility. Every loss is yours to own, and every mistake is a chance to grow. There is no one to blame when you lose on the mat. You have no choice but to learn. This openness to learning and adapting mirrors what we encourage in mental health care: a willingness to confront challenges head-on and seek better ways forward.

The Power of the Team

While wrestling appears to be a solo endeavor, it’s rooted in the strength of the collective. Teammates push you in practice, support you through setbacks, and celebrate your successes. I am a wrestling mom today and it is the tightest knit group of kids that I have seen. The dynamic reminds me of what we do at Onrise, providing athletes with a network of care that empowers them to reach their potential.

This balance between individuality and team connection is what makes wrestling extraordinary. It shows how independence and community are complementary forces that fuel personal and collective growth.

Mental Fortitude in Every Match

Few sports test mental toughness like wrestling. It’s not just physical strength that wins; it’s strategy, focus, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Wrestlers must master the art of staying present—a skill that is equally critical in life and mental health.

At Onrise, we understand how moments of intense pressure can shape an athlete’s mental well-being. Wrestling’s relentless demand for composure resonates with the work we do, helping athletes build the mental tools they need to thrive under stress.

As I reflect on my role at Onrise, I see so much of wrestling in what we do. We help athletes navigate the toughest battles, remind them they’re not alone, and celebrate every victory—no matter how small.

Wrestling may be a sport, but its lessons are universal. It’s a reminder that resilience, connection, and growth come from showing up, again and again, ready to give your all and love those around you.